Method of reducing or preventing malodour

ABSTRACT

A method for reducing or preventing body malodour by topically applying to human skin perfumery materials capable of inhibiting the production of malodorous metabolites caused by micro-organisms comprising corynebacteria. The perfumery materials are capable of inactivating corynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids.

This application is the national phase of International applicationPCT/GB99/02165 filed Jul. 6, 1999, which designated the U.S. and thatinternational application was published under PCT Article 21(2) inEnglish.

This invention relates to perfume components, mixtures thereof andperfume compositions, to personal products and detergent productscontaining such perfumes, and to a method and the use of such perfumesand products to deliver a deodorant effect.

In particular, it relates to perfume components, mixtures thereof, andperfume compositions for inhibiting the production of odorousmetabolites by topically applying to human skin perfumery componentscapable of inhibiting the production of body malodour caused bymicro-organisms comprising corynebacteria, preferably by selectivelyinhibiting those corynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids.

It is well known that freshly secreted sweat is odourless and that bodymalodour is the result of a biotransformation of the sweat bymicroorganisms living on the surface of the skin to produce volatileodoriferous compounds.

There are three types of personal product routinely used to combat bodymalodour: perfumes, antiperspirants and deodorants.

Perfumes may simply mask body malodour. However perfume compositionshave been disclosed which exhibit a deodorant action. EP-B-3172,EP-A-5618, U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,4679, U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,308, U.S. Pat.No. 4,278,658, US-A-4,134,838, U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,341 and U.S. Pat. No.4,289,641 all describe perfume compositions which exhibit a deodorantaction when applied to human skin fit or when included in a laundryproduct used to launder textiles.

Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat glands thereby reducingperspiration.

Antimicrobial agents used in deodorants are designed to reduce thepopulation of micro-organisms living on the surface of the skin. Typicalagents of this nature include ethanol and Triclosan(2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl ether) which are well known toexert in antimicrobial effects. The use of common deodorant activesresults in a non-selective antimicrobial action exerted upon most of theskin's natural microflora. This is an undesirable side effect of suchdeodorant formulations.

Many disclosures describe compositions comprising antimicrobials whichare designed to eliminate malodour by sub-lethally reducing themicroflora population.

WO 95/16429 (Henkel) describes deodorant compositions comprising fatsoluble partial esters of hydroxy carboxylic acids.

WO 95/07069, WO 91/11988 and WO 91/05541 (all Gillette) describedeodorant compositions comprising inhibitors of pyridoxal phosphatedependent amino acid lyase.

WO 94/14934 (Unilever) describes a method for reducing theperceptibility of an odoriferous substance using an antibody or antibodyfragment. Such antibodies could be used in deodorant compositions.

WO 93/07853 (Monell) describes the use of mimics of the odoriferouscompound 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid to reduce body malodour.

DD 29 39 58 (Medezinische Fakultaet (Charite) der Humboldt Universitaetzu Berlin) describes the use of lipoxygenase Inhibitors to actbiochemically to reduce sweat production or to inhibit, to variousdegrees, the action of skin bacteria or their enzymes on thedecomposition of sweat to form unpleasant-smelling substances.

DE 43 43 265 (Henkel) describes deodorant compositions comprisingsaturated dioic acid (C3-C10) esters. It is claimed that the activeinhibits a sweat decomposing esterase and the compositions are said notto disturb the skin's natural microflora.

DE 43 4 254 (Henkel) describes the use of lipid-soluble partial estersof hydroxy carboxylic acids in deodorant compositions.

Some disclosures describe the use of antimicrobial substances which areselective against odour producing bacteria.

WO 90/15077 (Gillette) describes the use of antibodies to a carrier ortransport protein of coryneform and staphylococci. It is disclose1 thatthese bacteria types have an amino acid lyase enzyme which isresponsible for the formation of malodour.

DE 43 39 605 (Beiersdorf) describes the use of deodorising mixtures ofalpha-omega alkanedioic acids and fatty acid partial glycerides ofunbranced fatty acids which may be present in a suitable cosmeticvehicle to combat Gram-positive, particularly coryneform, bacteria.

Woolwax acids have also been disclosed in the following Beiersdorfpublications as deodorant actives in combination with:

alpha-omega alkanedioic acids (DE 43 24 219);

partial glycerides of unbranched fatty acids (DE 43 09 372); or

monocatboxylic acids, especially unbranched fatty acids (DE 43 05 889).

Each combination is described as suitable to combat Gram-positive,especially coryneform, bacteria.

DE 4237081 (Beiersdorf) describes deodorant compositions comprisingmonocarboxylic acid diglycerides and/or triglycerides. The compositionsare said to be suitable against Gram-positive, especially coryneform,bacteria.

EP-A-0 697 213 (Beiersdorf) describes the selective reduction ofcoryneform bacteria using a mixture of:

lauric acid;

one other fatty acid C6-C20 (one of which must be at least C12);

glyceryl monocaprate/glyceryl monocaprylate;

without the use of ethoxylated glyceryl fatty acid esters andpropoxylated glyceryl fatty acid esters;

which has a pH of less than B.

WO 94/07837 (Unichema) describes certain novel unsaturated dioic acidshaving between 8 and 22 carbon atoms. Also described is their potentialuse to treat malodour.

EP-A-0 750 903 (Cooperatie Cosun UA) discloses deodorant compositionscomprising sugar-fatty acid esters. The actives are described as beingselective towards odour causing micro-organisms. These odour-causingmicro-organisms are said to be the Corynebacterium varieties known aslipophilic diphtheroids such as Corynebacterium xerosis and C.minutissimum.

Coryneform is a designation of a large ill-defined group of bacteria.The diverse genera that have been included with the coryneforms includeActinomyces, Arachnia, Arcanobacterium, Arthrobacter, bacterionema,Bifidobacteriurn, Brevibacterium, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium.Eyrsipelothrix, Eubacteriumr. Kurthia, Listeria, Mycobacterium,Nocardia, Oerskovia, Propionibacterium, Rhodococcus and Rothia.

It is clear that the majority of previous disclosures in this area havebeen aimed at antibacterial or bacteriostatic effects towards the wholeskin flora or selected species.

Without being bound by theory we believe that the Corynebacterium genuscan be subdivided into two subgroups according to ability to catabolisefatty acids. We further believe that one of these subgroups, hereinafterreferred to as “Corynebacteria A” which is capable of catabolising fattyacids, contributes strongly to the formation of body malodour, inparticular axillary malodour. The other subgroup, hereinafter referredto as “Corynebacteria B”, which catabolises fatty acids much less so ornot at all, contributes much less or even not at all to malodourformation. We also believe that it is possible to selectively inhibitthe generation of odorous metabolites by Corynebacteria A.

The deodorants available on the market tend to be insufficientlyeffective and/or substantially reduce the numbers of all bacteria in themicroflora indiscriminately. The present invention offers theopportunity to provide deodorant products which for many females willsubstantially reduce malodour formation while inhibiting only a minorportion of the microflora. For many males malodour formation can besubstantially reduced or even largely eliminated by inactivating theCorynebacteria A.

Furthermore, we have found a range of perfume components capable ofselectively inactivating Corynebacteria A, while leaving other bacteria,notably Corynebacteria B much less affected or even not notably affectedat all. Significant deodorant action can be obtained by the action ofthese components singly or in combination.

Accordingly, the invention provides a cosmetic method for reducing orpreventing body malodour by topically applying to human skin acomposition comprising an active agent capable of inactivating bodymalodour-causing micro-organisms comprising corynebacteria, wherein theagent is a perfume component which is capable of inactivating thecorynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids.

The invention also provides the use of a perfume component to inactivatethe corynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids.

The invention further provides the use of a perfume composition,comprising at least 30% by weight of one or more perfume componentscapable of inactivating the corynebacteria capable of catabolising fattyacids, to reduce body malodour.

The invention further provides the use of a deodorant product comprisinga perfume component to reduce body malodour by inactivating thecorynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids.

The invention further provides a perfume composition comprising at least30% by weight of one or more of the following perfume components;(Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentmethylhept-3-en-2-one, mixtures of diethyl- anddimethyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one, citronellol,2-methyl-3-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenylpropanal,(2-(methytoxy)4-propyl-1-benzenol), diphenyltmethane, tetrahydrolinalol,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyt)cyclohex-3-ene-1-crbaldehyde,3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde, 3-(1,3-benzodioxol5-5-yl2-methylprooanal, α-ionone, β-ionone,tricycdo[5.2.1.0,2,6]dec-4-en-8-yl ethanoate,4-(4-hydroxy4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde,3-(4-hydroxy4-methylpentyl)-cyclohex-3-enecabaldehyde methyliso-eugenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate,4-(1,1-dimethylelhyi)cyclohexylethanoate,4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) tetrahydropyran, and a deodorantproduct comprising such a perfume composition.

The invention still further provides a method of producing a perfumecomposition which comprises (i) evaluating perfume components on theability to inhibit fatty acid metabolism in corynebacteria, (ii)selecting perfume components on the ability to sub-lethally inhibitfatty acid metabolism in corynebacteria, and (iii) mixing together twoor more of said selected perfume components, optionally with otherperfume components.

The term “perfume component” is used herein to represent a materialwhich is added to a perfume to contribute to the olfactive properties ofthe perfume. A perfume component can be acceptably employed to provideodour contributions to the overall hedonic performance of products.Typically, a perfume component will be generally recognised aspossessing odours in its own right, will be relatively volatile andoften has molecular weight within the range 100 to 300. Typicalmaterials which are perfume components are described in “Perfume andFlavour Chemicals”, Volumes I and II (Steffan Arctander, 1969). Aperfume composition will contain a number of individual perfumecomponents, and optionally a suitable diluent The concentration ofperfume components referred to herein is relative to the totalconcentration of perfume components present in the composition, ieexcludes any diluent

The perfume components used in the present invention are capable ofinactivating Corynebacteria, preferably selectively inactivatingCorynebacteria A. By inactivate is meant any sub-lethal effect resultingin a reduction or elimination of the production of odoriferousmetabolites, eg by modification of bacterial metabolism, such as fattyacid metabolism. The sub-lethal effect of a perfume component preferablyoccurs at concentrations below its minimum inhibitory concentration,determined as described in Example 2 below.

In particular, by sub-lethal is meant a significant inhibition ofmetabolism, e.g. pentadecanoic acid utilisation (at least 60%inhibition), preferably without concomitant reductions in cell viability(not more than 1 log₁₀ CFU/ml reduction) and glucose utilisation (notmore than 10% reduction).

The perfume components used in the present invention may be incorporatedinto deodorant products which include, but are not limited to, bodydeodorants and antiperspirants including roll ons, gel products, stickdeodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, soap shower gets, talcum powder,hand cream, skin conditioners, sunscreen, sun tan; lotion, skin and hairconditioners.

The perfume components may also be usefully employed for deodorantproperties by incorporation into other products, for example, in laundryand household products such as rinse conditioners, household cleanersand detergent cleaners. The perfume components can be incorporated intotextiles themselves during their production using techniques known inthe art, to provide deodorant protection.

It is postulated that the preferred selective inhibition ofCorynebacteria A is achieved by inhibiting the metabolic pathways of theCorynebacteria A which leads to a reduction in the production ofmalodorous metabolites. The inhibition of the metabolic pathway ofCorynebacteria A is more important than the inhibition of the metabolicpathway of Corynebacteria B, as only the Corynebacteria A are capable ofproducing malodorous products.

In a preferred method according to the invention, perfume componentswhich selectively inhibit the metabolic pathway of only thosecorynebacteria capable of catabolising fatty acids are used, by which ismeant inactivating Corynebacteria A to a significantly higher degreethan Corynebacteria B. Preferably, it means inactivating CorynebacteriaA to a significantly higher degree than the majority, preferably atleast 75%, more preferably at least 90% of bacteria, other thanCorynebacteria A constituting the skin microflora.:

The levels of perfume materials used in a skin product may lead togeneral bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. A skilled personresponsible for formulating a finished product will be able to adjustthe level to produce the desired effect in the final product.

The perfume components employed in the present invention are more activewith Corynebacteria A than with other bacteria constituting the axillarymicroflora, including Corynebacteria B, when considering the selectiveinhibition of the metabolic pathway of the bacteria, particularly inrespect of fatty acid metabolism.

The active perfume components preferably selectively inhibit themetabolic pathway of Corynebacteria A, leading to a reduction ofmalodorous compounds, producing a deodorant effect in consumer products.In a preferred method according to the invention, an Odour ReductionValue, measured as described in Example 4, of at least 10%, morepreferably at least 30%,and particularly at least 50% is obtained. Theactive components may be mixed with other perfume components to deliverperfumes or perfume compositions with the desired deodorant andhedonistic properties. To deliver high deodorant effects the activecomponents preferably comprise 30% or more of the total perfumeformulation by weight, more preferably at least 40% and particularly atleast 60%. A deodorant product preferably comprises at least 0.05% to4%, more preferably 0.1% to 2% by weight of the active perfumecomponents. Preferred actives include the following perfume components.

(Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one (Acetyl di iso amylene)

Mixture of diethyl- and dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (Azarbre)

Citronellol

2-methyl-3-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl)propanal (Cyclamen aldehyde)

(2-(methyloxy)4-propyl-1-benzenol) (Dihydroeugenol)

Diphenylmethane

Tetrahydrolinalol

4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde (Empetaal)

3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde (Empetaal)

3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal (Helional)

α- and β-lonone and mixtures thereof (lonone)

5 tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6]dec4-en-8-yl ethanoate (Jasmacylene),

4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde (Lyral)

3-(4-hydroxy-4-melhyloentyl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde (Lyral)

Methyl iso-eugenol

2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate (Ortholate)

4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethancztc (Ortholate)

4 Methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)tetrahydropyran (Rose oxide)

A perfume composition for use in the present invention preferablycomprises at least 5, more preferably at least 10, and particularly atleast 15 of the above perfume components.

The invention is illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1

A demonstration of fatty acid catabolism in an isolated pure culture ofCorynebacterium A deposited as NCIMB 13590 (deposited under the BudapestTreaty with National Collections of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Ltd,23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen Scotland, UK on Jun. 28, 1999) wasdetermined in vitro using the method given below:

The in vitro model system, reproducing fatty acid catabolism by axillarybacteria, consisted of 250 ml baffled shake flasks, to which were added30 ml semi-synthetic medium (see below) supplemented with fatty acidsubstrate (2.0 mg/ml pentadecanoic acid) This system was employed toevaluate selected potential deodorant actives (see below). Flasks wereinoculated with fresh bacterial biomass, pregrown for 24 h in TSBT (seebelow), to give starting optical densities (A₅₀₀) of 1.0-2.0. Followinginoculation, flasks were incubated aerobically at 35° C., with agitation(130 rpm), and analysed after 24 h. Culture viability/purity wasdetermined by TVC analysis on TSAT plates (see below) following serialdilution in quarter-strength Ringers solution.

Fatty acid levels In the flasks were determined by capillary gaschromatography (GC) analysis. Initially, 5.0 ml aliquots from each flaskwere rapidly transferred into universal tubes: an internal standard (1.0mg/ml lauric acid) was added to each universal tube and the culturemedium was acidified (pH-2) by the addition of hydrochloric acid.Liquid-liquid extraction was then carried out using 2 vol (10 ml) ethylacetate; organic and aqueous phases were resolved by centrifugation(2000 rpm, 3 min). 2.0 ml of each organic (upper) phase was thentransferred to a sampling tube prior to analysis on a Perkin Elmer 8000(Series 2) GC fitted with a 15 m×0.32 mm (internal diameter) FFA(nitroterephthalic acid modified PEG/siloxane copolymer) fused silicacapillary column (film thickness 0.25 mm) (Quadrex). This column wasattached to the split splitless injector and flame ionisation detector(FID) of the GC; injector and detector temperatures were each 300° C.Carrier gas for the column was helium (6.0 psi), while hydrogen (17 psi)and air (23 psi) were supplied the FID. The temperature programme forfatty acid analysis was 80° C. (2 min); 80-250° C. (20° C./min); 250° C.(5 min). Sample size injection was 0.5-1.0 μl. Fatty acid levels in theflasks were quantified by comparison of peak areas with known levels ofboth internal (lauric acid) and external (pentadecanoic acid) standards.

EXAMPLE 2

The minimum inhibitory concentration of perfume components wasdetermined by the following method.

A fresh culture of of the test inoculum (Corynebacteria xerosis NCTC7243 (National Collection of Type Cultures. Public Health LaboratoryService, Central Public Health Laboratory .61 Colindale Avenue. London))diluted in sterile 0.1% special peptone solution to give a concentrationof approximately 10⁶ cfu/ml was prepared

Test samples were diluted in sterile trptone soya broth (TSB) Each rowof the microtitre plate (labelled A-H) was allocated to one sample, i.e.eight samples per plate. Row 8 (H) contained only TSB for use as abacterial control to indicate level of turbidity in the absence of testmaterial. Aseptically 200 μl of the initial dilution was transferred tothe 1st and 7th well of the appropriate row. All other test wells werefilled with 100 μl of sterile TSB using an 8 channel pipette. Thecontents of all wells in column 1 were mixed by sucking samples up anddown pipette tips before 100 μl was transferred to column 2. The samesterile pipette tips can be used to transfer 100 μl of each well incolumn 7 in to the appropriate well in column 8. Tips were discardedinto disinfectant solution. Using fresh sterile tips the process wasrepeated by transferring 100 μl from column 2 into column 3 (and 8 into9). The process was continued until all wells in columns 6 and 12contained 200 μl. After mixing 100 μl was discarded from wells in thesecolumns to waste.

To all wells 100 μl of pre-diluted test culture was added giving 200 μlfinal volume in each well.

A blank plate was prepared for each set of samples using the aboveprotocol-except 100 μl of sterile 0.1% peptone was added instead ofbacterial culture.

Plates were sealed using autoclave tape and incubated overnight at 35°C.

The reader was preset to gently agitate the plates to mix the contentsbefore reading absorbance at 540 nm. The control plate for each set ofsamples was read first. The reader was then reprogrammed to use thecontrol readings to blank all other plate readings of the set of testmaterials (i.e. removing turbidity due to perfume and possible colourchanges during incubation) thus only printing out absorbances due toturbidity resulting from bacterial growth. Limits were set so thatdegrees of turbidity were given a rating.

The MIC was taken as the level of sample required to inhibit growthcompletely (change in absorbance <0.2).

EXAMPLE 3

Demonstration of sub-lethal inactivation of fatty acid catabolism wasperformed with the following in vitro method.

Prior to inoculation, flasks were supplemented with selected perfumecomponents, at a range of concentrations (eg 500 ppm and 1000 ppm) belowtheir predetermined minimum inhibitory concentration, to determine theirability to sublethally inhibit fatty acid catabolism by Corynebacteria A(NCIMB 13590). Stock active solutions/emulsions were prepared insemi-synthetic medium (see below), emulsions were formed byultra-homogenisation at 24,000 rpm for ˜1 min. At the end of eachexperiment, viability and fatty acid levels in the experimental flaskswere compared to those in a control flask. Sub-lethal inhibition offatty acid catabolism was defined as significant inhibition ofpentadecanoic acid utilisation, without concomitant reductions in cellviability.

Composition of Tween-supplemented Tryptone soya brothlagar (TSBT, TSAT)used for growth/maintenance of axilary bacteria (g/l):Tryptone soyabroth (30.0), Yeast extract (10.0), Tween 80 (1.0), ±Agar (20.0).Composition of semi-synthetic medium used in 10 laboratory systemssimulating fatty acid catabolism by axillary bacteria (g/l): KH₂PO₄(1.6), (NH₄)₂HPO₄ (5.0), Na₂SO₄ (0.38), Yeast Nitrogen Base (Difco)(3.35). Yeast Extract (0.5), Tween 80 (0.2). Triton X-100 (0.2), MgCl₂,6H₂O (0.5), Pentadecanoic acid (2.0).

The results below show the perfume components that are active andinactive with regard to the inhibition of fatty acid metabolism inCorynebacteria A.

Inhibition of long chain fatty acid No inhibition of metabolism observedlong chain fatty acid metabolism observed(Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one Aldehyde C11 Mixture ofdiethyl- and Anisic Aldehyde dimethyl-cyclohex-2-ene-1-one2-methyl-3-4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl) Caryophyllene propanal(2-(methyloxy)-4-propyl-1-benzenol) Cinnamic alcohol Diphenylmethane2H-2-chromenone 4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1- carbaldehyde3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1- Florocyclene carbaldehyde3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-4, 7-methano-1H- inden-6-yl-propanoate3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2- 4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-1, methylpropanal3,4,6,7,8-hexahyd rocyclo- penta[gamma]isochromene Mixture of alpha andbeta ionone Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3- ene carbaldehyde3-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3- hexyl 2-hydroxy-1-benzene enecarbaldehyde carboxylate Methyl-iso-eugenol Iso-e-super2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate Lilial4-Methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)- Thyme red tetrahydropyran

EXAMPLE 4

The following are typical formulations of deodorant produces whichcomprise a perfume or perfume component capable of inhibiting theproduction of body malodour by micro-organisms comprisingCorynebacteria. These formulations are made by methods common in theart.

Deodorant Sticks Content (% by weight) Ingredient Formulation 1AFormulation 1B Ethanol 8 Sodium Stearate 7 6 Propylene glycol 70 12Perfume 1.5 2 PPG-3 Myristyl ether 28 PPG-10 Cetyl ether 10Cyclomethicone 34 Silica Water 21.5

Aerosols content % by weight Ingredient Formulation 2A Formulation 2BEthanol B up to 100 Propylene glycol as required Perfume 2.5 1.5Chlorhydrol microdry 31.8 Silicone Fluid DC344 up to 100 Bentone gel IPP13.65 Irgasan DP300 0.03 Dimethyl ether 20 Concentrate 22 Water 23

Roll ons Content % by weight Ingredient Formulation 3A Formulation 3BEthanol to 100% 60 Klucel MF 0.65 Cremphor RM410 0.5 Perfume 0.5 1 AZTC*20 Cyclomethicone 68 Dimethicone 5 Silica 2.5 Water 37.85 *Aluminiumzirconium tetrachlorohydro glycinate

Two perfume compositions embodying this invention were made and testedfor deodorant action in an underarm product, using an Odour ReductionValue test generally as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,658, but withthe substitution of the perfumed soap by perfumed roll-on product, usingthe formulation described in Formulation 3B. These perfume compositionsand the method for an Odour Reduction Value test are set out below.

Composition by % Perfume A Perfume B Acetyl di iso amylene 10 7 Adoxal0.5 Amberlyn super PM 577 10% DPG 3 Azarbre 3.5 Benzyl acetate extra 8 8Benzyl salicylate 8 12 Cassis base 5 Citral lemarome 3 Citronellol pure15 Cyclamen aldehyde 5 Dihydro jasmone 0.5 Diphenyl methane 3 Dupical0.3 Helional 4 Ionone 15 Jasmacyclene 3 Ligustral 10% DPG AAA 1486 3Lyral 8 15 Methyl iso eucenol 5 Methyl octyl acetaldehyde 10% DPG 2 AA1918 Ortholate 8 Para tert butyl cyclo hexyl acetate 12 Phenyl ethylalcohol 12 13 Roseacetone 6 2.2

The Odour Reduction Value test was carried out using a panel of 40Caucasian male subjects. A standard quantity (approximately 0.4g) of aroll-on product containing one of the perfume compositions or anunperfumed control was applied to the axillae of the panel members inaccordance with a statistical design.

After a period of five hours the axillary odour was judged by threetrained female assessors who scored the odour intensity on the 0 to 5scale, as shown below.

Conc. of aqueous Score Odour level isovaleric acid (ml/l) 0 No odour 0 1Slight 0.013 2 Definite 0.053 3 Moderate 0.22 4 Strong 0.87 5 VeryStrong 3.57

Average scores for each test product and the control product were thendetermined and the score for each test product was subtracted from thescore for the control product to give the Odour Reduction Value.

Average panel score perfume A 2.08 Control panel score 2.31 OdourReduction Value perfume A 0.23 Odour Reduction Value as percentage ofcontrol score 10%

Difference for significance @95% 0.21

Difference for significance @99% 0.28

Average panel score perfume B 1.98 Control panel score 2.31 OdourReduction Value perfume B 0.33 Odour Reduction Value as percentage ofcontrol score 14%

Difference for significance @99% 0.21

Difference for significance @99% 0.28

Perfume A contained 47.5% and perfume B contained 54% of active perfumecomponents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing a perfume composition whichcomprises (i) evaluating perfume components on the ability to inhibitfatty acid metabolism in corynebacteria, (ii) selecting perfumecomponents on the ability to sub-lethally inhibit fatty acid metabolismin corynebacteria, and (iii) mixing together two or more of saidselected perfume components, optionally with other perfume components,the selected perfume components being chosen from the group consistingof (Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one, mixtures of diethyl- anddimethyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one, citronellol,2-methyl-3-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl)propanal,(2-(methyloxy)-4-propyl-1-benzenol), diphenylmethane, tetrahydrolinalol,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde,3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1 carbaldehyde,3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal, α-ionone, β-ionone,tricyclo[5.2.1.0,2,6]dec-4-en-8-yl ethanoate,4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde,3-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde, methyliso-eugenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate,4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate,4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)tetrahydropyran.
 2. The method ofselectively inactivating corynebacteria capable of catabolizing fattyacids and causing body malodour which comprises contacting saidcorynebacteria with an effective amount of a perfume component whichselectively inactivates said corynebacteria whereby body malodour isprevented or reduced, said corynebacteria being contacted with a perfumecomposition which includes at least 30% by weight of one or more perfumecomponents capable of selectively inactivating said corynebacteria. 3.The method of selectively inactivating corynebacteria capable ofcatabolizing fatty acids and causing body malodour which comprisescontacting said corynebacteria with an effective amount of a perfumecomponent which selectively inactivates said corynebacteria whereby bodymalodour is prevented or reduced, the perfume component being selectedfrom the group consisting of (Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one,mixtures of diethyl- and dimethyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one, citronellol,2-methyl-3-(4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl)propanal,(2-(methyloxy)-4-propyl-1-benzenol), diphenylmethane, tetrahydrolinalol,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde,3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene1-carbaldehyde,3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal, α-ionone, β-ionone,tricyclo[5.2.1.0,2,6]dec-4-en-8-yl ethanoate,4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde,3-(4hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde, methyliso-eugenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate,4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl ethanoate,4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)tetrahydropyran.
 4. The method of claim3, which comprises contacting said corynebacteria with a perfumecomposition comprising at least 5 perfume components selected from saidgroup.